Hierophant as Timing (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Hierophant is the card of traditions, education, faith, marriage, and spirituality. He is the male counterpart of the High Priestess. The Hierophant sits between two pillars. At his feet are two people who look to him for guidance and two keys representing the physical and spiritual realms. He presides over ceremony, kindness, charity, and metaphysical guidance.  

The Hierophant is conventional in his outlook on love, and he cherishes the stability of time-tested institutions, like religion, marriage, and childbirth. He serves the world in spiritual attunement by providing his flock of followers with rules and guidance. 

Upright Hierophant as Timing

If you are asking about timing and you pull the Hierophant, it means that the event will occur when traditional systems, beliefs, or structures are aligned. 

The Hierophant represents established customs, teachings, and conventional wisdom. When pulled for timing, this card suggests that the event is connected to a time when you align with societal or spiritual norms, such as during a formal process or ritual.

The Hierophant could indicate that the timing revolves around organized institutions—like schools, religious institutions, or legal systems—and may unfold when you’re working within those frameworks. It may also point to a period of learning or mentorship, suggesting that the event will happen when you have gained the necessary knowledge or wisdom. 

Timing with the Hierophant is typically steady and follows a predictable, step-by-step process, meaning that things will happen once you’ve followed the appropriate protocol or teachings.

Astrologically, the Hierophant as timing is associated with Taurus season (April 20-May 20).

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Hierophant Reversed as Timing

If you are asking about timing and you pull the Hierophant reversed, it means that delays are caused by a rebellion against tradition or breaking away from established norms. 

The Hierophant reversed indicates that non-conformity or resistance to following traditional paths may be hindering progress. It suggests that timing will only move forward once there’s a resolution of any inner or outer conflicts between what is expected and what you desire. 

Alternatively, this card may indicate that something unconventional or unexpected needs to happen before the event occurs—perhaps stepping outside of traditional structures or beliefs will help things move along. In this case, the timing is less predictable and may be delayed until you embrace a different, non-traditional approach or challenge existing systems.

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Conclusion

Timing in tarot can be a bit tricky, but with practice, it becomes easier to trust the flow of the cards. I recommend using a narrative approach, letting the story of the spread guide you, rather than relying strictly on rigid definitions. Ultimately, trust your own intuition—it will lead you to the answers you’re meant to find.

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